The beginning of a new year in industry does not bring a sudden change, but rather the continuation of systematic process improvement. In 2026, the manufacturing landscape is gradually moving from vision to practical implementation, and technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual twins enable companies to achieve higher operational efficiency and maintain competitive advantage. Dassault Systèmes presents an overview of the key technologies and trends that, according to the company, will shape manufacturing in the coming months, with particular emphasis on real-time systems, predictive solutions, sense computing and digital manufacturing platforms.
From silo-based management to integrated real-time systems
Modern industry in 2026 requires smooth synchronisation between machines, materials, logistics and software. The previously common silo-based approach to production management is assessed as outdated and insufficient in view of the growing complexity of manufacturing processes.
Real-time manufacturing execution systems are starting to play a key role, enabling producers to respond continuously to changing conditions. With access to up-to-date data, it is possible to immediately adjust schedules, process parameters and resource utilisation. This approach supports waste reduction, better planning and more precise control of complex production lines.
An important element of this model is predictive diagnostics. In the view of Dassault Systèmes, it is no longer a competitive differentiator but has become an operational necessity. Predictive solutions are regarded as a standard that helps reduce unexpected downtime and extend the lifetime of machines and equipment. Using historical and current data to forecast failures enables maintenance to be planned in advance and reduces the risk of sudden production stops.
In parallel, the importance of virtual training programmes is increasing. Organisations planning their development with a 2026 horizon are increasingly treating such solutions as a priority. Digital environments allow employees to learn how to operate new systems, robots and applications in a safe and repeatable manner. This facilitates adaptation to rapidly evolving robotics and automation technologies and reduces the risk of errors in actual production.
According to Dassault Systèmes, advances in real-time systems, predictive diagnostics and virtual training are creating a highly resilient production environment that can draw strength from stressors and changing market requirements throughout 2026.
Artificial intelligence and virtual twins in industrial practice
Artificial intelligence and virtual twins are changing the way products are developed, tested and optimised. From the perspective of many companies, the breakthrough may appear to be spread over time, but Dassault Systèmes stresses that change occurs gradually yet consistently, especially in companies with extensive infrastructure.
In such organisations, it is crucial to digitise existing assets and processes step by step. Only in this way is it possible to further develop structures and achieve lasting performance improvements, which is expected to become even more important in 2026. Artificial intelligence is already present in many industrial areas, integrating with existing applications and increasing companies' innovation potential.
Combined with virtual twin technology, AI-based applications can reach their full range of functionality. Virtual twins enable teams from different departments and industries to collaborate based on a unified data set, which helps reduce information discrepancies and accelerates decision-making. Digital replicas of real systems make it possible to test potential scenarios in a virtual environment, increase process efficiency and minimise operational risk.
Artificial intelligence complements these activities by automatically learning from historical and current data and patterns, optimising processes, simulating alternative courses of action and supporting data-based decisions. From the perspective of enterprises, integrating AI and virtual twins into corporate strategy translates into lower costs, shorter implementation times and an accelerated innovation cycle. Processes become more precise, efficient and faster.
Current applications already demonstrate the scale of the opportunities. Manufacturing plants can be tested and optimised using virtual twins, with machine errors identified in real time, downtime reduced and overall plant efficiency increased. This approach makes it possible to verify line configurations, load scenarios or changes in work organisation without interfering with the real production environment.
Sense computing and the use of mixed reality
An additional element of the trend related to virtual twins is the growing popularity of sense computing, understood as the use of immersive interfaces and mixed reality to work with data and 3D models. Dassault Systèmes indicates that mixed reality technologies, for example when using Apple Vision Pro and the integrated 3DLive application, allow experts to visualise complex industrial environments in three dimensions.
Such solutions make it possible to control machines, systems or products digitally and to resolve potential issues from any location. Remote access to a virtual representation of a plant or production line enables situation analysis, service support and expert consultation without the need for physical presence on site.
The combination of immersive visualisation and direct interaction with the model turns virtual twins into a tool that supports decision-making, initiates innovation and enables process optimisation. According to Dassault Systèmes, this trend will continue to gain importance in 2026, particularly in areas that require collaboration between distributed teams and a rapid response to changes in the production environment.
Digital manufacturing platforms and Industry 5.0
As digital technologies redefine the manufacturing sector, the role of manufacturing platforms is growing. They are used to maximise operational efficiency and accelerate the implementation of the Industry 5.0 concept. In the approach put forward by Dassault Systèmes, a platform strategy is transformational and enables companies to build ecosystems based on collaboration and data exchange.
A platform is understood as a digital infrastructure that connects different users, allowing them to interact, collaborate and create value. In this model, unified access to data and the ability to integrate with existing enterprise systems are crucial. An example of such a solution is the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which, according to Dassault Systèmes, provides all users with access to a single version of data in real time.
Ensuring a consistent information base translates into a uniform production experience for all stakeholders, from designers and process engineers to suppliers and operators. From the production perspective, this improves the efficiency of collaboration within the supply chain, enables better coordination of activities and supports process flexibility.
Digital manufacturing platforms also help companies adapt more quickly to changing customer expectations. They facilitate product modifications, variant management and the integration of market feedback into design and manufacturing processes. In the context of Industry 5.0, such platforms form the foundation for closer collaboration between humans, digital systems and robots.
The development directions outlined by Dassault Systèmes indicate that 2026 in the manufacturing industry will be a period of further consolidation of trends related to digitisation, data integration and the use of advanced analytics. Companies planning their strategy for this period should consider not only investments in individual tools but also a coherent approach that includes real-time systems, virtual twins, sense computing and digital platforms.
